City Museum showcases Juneau beadwork

Posted: Friday, September 28, 2001

Showcase of Juneau Beadwork, an exhibit of Juneau bead artists with selected pieces from the City Museum's collection, opens Oct. 6 and runs through Dec. 1 at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. There will be a public reception, demonstrations by the artists, youth bead workshops, and the first Family Bead Circle, beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6.

Glass beads have been a dynamic creative material used in Juneau and Alaska beginning in the 1850s when maritime traders bartered them with Alaska Natives for trade goods. Whether an embellished bag, necklace, pair of earrings or a cultural treasure that visually documents one's history; beads are a compelling medium. This show highlights the variety and multifaceted works being created today by Juneau bead artists, along with pieces from the City Museum's collection.

Children ages 5-8 and 9-12 are invited to participate in a free workshop in the morning at the City Museum to make Rainbow Catchers with bead instructor and artist, Salty Hanes. Pre-registration and $3 materials fee required. Ages 5-8 will meet 11 a.m. to noon; ages 9-12 will meet noon to 1 p.m.

Next Special Saturday, Oct. 6, at the City Museum is also the first meeting of a new weekly bead circle facilitated by Salty Hanes. Family Bead Circle, invites families to bring in their beadwork and other handicrafts projects and spend creative time together. The first Family Bead Circle will meet Saturday, Oct. 6 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and continue each Saturday through April from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Also this October, don't miss Tlingit Beadworking with Florence Sheakley, expert bead artist. Florence will offer a class in the Tlingit two-needle beading technique, Oct. 13, 20 and 27 from 1 to 4:00 p.m. at the City Museum. Students will make a geometric design on felt and, time permitting, move on to other simple projects. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required one week before class starts.

Free winter admission Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum through the generous donation of Harold Fossum, in memory of his late wife Helen.